30 things to do in Singapore in January 2018: Festivals, concerts and art galleries and shows

Hello 2018! It’s not hard to say goodbye to 2017 with the load of events and activities we have lined up for the month. Art mavens, mark your calendar as January welcomes a whole lot of art with the return of Singapore Art Week,so be sure to hit up all the galleries and museums. With so much to discover about Singapore art and artists, what better time to get cultured than the month we’re in right now.

The carnival’s in townAll monthSingapore’s “biggest carnival”, The Prudential Marina Bay Carnival will occupy an area the size of three-and-a-half football fields. Expect rides galore (over 40 rides and games brought in from various European countries), indulgent festival grub, music and entertainment, and lots of fun. We already had our go at the carnival and boy, was it a whole lot of fun. Bring the whole fambam!The Prudential Marina Bay Carnival, 15 Dec 2017 – 1 Apr 2018, The Promontory and Bayfront Event Space

Time is a Fleetin’14 JanuaryThe American indie-folk ensemble Fleet Foxes is bringing their lush set to our shores for the very first time. Known for their captivating instrumentations and harmonies, prepare to be swept away by a dream-like sense of transcendence and beauty in their music, and float along to tracks like “Mykonos”, “White Winter Hymnal” and “If You Need To, Keep Time On Me”.Fleet Foxes Live in Singapore, 14 Jan, Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Drive

Before we head to the upcoming one in January, here’s a throwback to St Jerome’s Laneway Festival 2017 (Photography: Laneway Festival Singapore via Facebook)

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival 201827 JanuaryMake a date with indie rock and jangle-pop artist Mac Demarco, Anderson. Paak — who is known for his signature blend of ’60s funk, ’70s soul, hip-hop, R&B and electronica — and iconic shoegaze band Slowdive, as well as some time for some groundbreaking acts closer to home like post-rock group Amateur Takes Control, neo-soul-funk artist Tim De Cotta, rapper THELIONCITYBOY, hip-hop emcee and singer MAS1A and twee-pop band Obedient Wives Club. Check out our Laneway Festival story for the full lowdown. St Jerome’s Laneway Festival 2018, 27 Jan, The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Drive

Fun and learning under one woof27 JanuaryWelcome the year of the dog with Asia Pacific’s premier dog extravaganza this January! They’ve got special guest and the world’s favourite Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan to be present at the event along with his son, co-host of National Geographic Asia’s Dog Nation, Andre Millan. With activities centered around the themes of Play, Learn and Bond, this event celebrates the unique relationship between man and his dog.Pack Gathering with Cesar Millan, 27 Jan, Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Singapore 486150

While we’re talking about Street Art in January, check out the cool murals around the city!

The spotlight’s on street art!13 January – 3 JuneThe galleries of ArtScience Museum will be invaded by some of the world’s top street artists in one of the boldest exhibitions to be shown at the museum, starting this January. Art from the Streets traces 40 years of Street Art, from its countercultural beginnings to its extraordinary rise as a major phenomenon in contemporary art. The show features the world’s best known street artists including Banksy, Shepard Fairey (aka Obey), Futura, Invader, JR, Blek le Rat, Swoon and Vhils among others. Art from the Streets reflects the evolution of street art, charting the diverse artistic techniques employed by artists through the decades and showing how technology has created new expressive avenues for artists.Art From The Streets, 13 Jan-3 June, ArtScience Museum, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956

Eat right this New Year13 JanuaryThe Farmers Market at Loewen Gardens is a great way to kick start a weekend, or your year! You will find a variety of vendors selling items such as organic vegetables, olive oil, bread, wine and a whole range of baked goods. Time to stock up!Farmers Market at Loewen Gardens, 13 Jan, 75E Loewen Road, Singapore 248844

Imagine Dragons will be stopping by Singapore in January (Photography via Imagine Dragons)

Getting Radioactive with Imagine Dragons7 JanuaryThe number of awards won by alt-rock visionaries, Imagine Dragons, including the Grammys, AMAs, and Billboard Music Awards, goes to show why this band is the one of the world’s biggest acts. And we’ve got mega news: Imagine Dragons will be stopping by Singapore for its Evolve World Tour. With big-time compositions like “Radioactive” and “It’s Time”, it’s no surprise that critics deem the Vegas natives one of the most influential bands in the world.Imagine Dragons Evolve World Tour Live in Singapore, 7 Jan, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk

Fun can be sustainable too14 JanuaryFeaturing a food fair of delicious international and new age planet-friendly foods, a Farmer’s Market of local businesses with sustainable products, an eco-carnival of engaging low carbon games, as well as other various opportunities like talks, screenings, and more. Get inspired by the effective ways you can make changes to really make a sustainable and modern future possible!EarthFest 2018, 14 Jan, Marina Barrage, 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951

Photography: National Gallery of Singapore via Facebook

Get artsy in the new year17-28 JanuaryThe city opens each year with a visual spectacle — and it’s got Singapore Art Week to thank for that. The massive arts festival, with the Art Stage as its crown jewel, ushers in dozens of exhibitions, walking tours, talks, art fairs and after-parties where you can rub shoulders with the who’s who of the local and regional creative scenes. And as the events are held across precincts, galleries and museums, you’ll be exploring the city not through the eyes of a tourist but those of an art aficionado. So if you can tell your Monets from your Manets, make your way down to Singapore Art Week and join your fellow connoisseurs as you chart your art-inspired path through the city.Singapore Art Week 2018, 17-28 Jan, Various locations

Get your kicks pumped up for Foster the People30 JanuaryIndie kids, your fave people back with their “Pumped Up Kicks”. Set to perform its 2011 indie anthem in January, Foster the People will also be delivering infectious hits from its Grammy-nominated debut album Torches such as “Houdini” and “Helena Beat”, as well as its sophomore LP Supermodel, and latest release, Sacred Hearts Club. If it’s anything like its 2012 Singapore gig, trust us, you’ll be begging for more.Foster The People Live in SIngapore, 30 Jan, Zepp @Big Box Singapore, 1 Venture Avenue, 608521

Formerly housed at the iconic red building, MAAD market returns at some new digs this weekend!

Don’t get MAAD, go shoppingAll monthWe’re so glad that the Red Dot Design Museum is back, and in some cool new digs now, located along the Marina Bay Waterfront. And with the return of the museum, the crowd favourite MAAD Market will be a weekend fixture till April! Good news for those who are lagging behind with Christmas shopping, or looking to indulge in some of your own retail therapy. Hit up this cool market!MAAD at the Marina Bay, On weekends until 1 April 2018, Red Dot Design Museum, 11 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018940

Night time is the right time for art26 JanuaryGillman Barracks’ flagship edition of the night time open house event, Art After Dark, returns this month for Singapore Art Week with an array of special exhibitions and programmes, new gallery openings (more art!), guest exhibitions, workshops and talks, art outreach… and of course late-night grub to satiate your hunger for all things aesthetics.Art After Dark x Singapore Art Week 2018, 26 Jan, Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937

Take me to the Motorshow11-14 JanuaryPresented by the Motor Traders Association in partnership with MediaCorp, the Singapore Motorshow is Singapore’s most celebrated and prestigious motoring event. The Singapore Motorshow features exciting new car launches by top vehicle brands, thrilling performances by the world number one professional precision driver, Russ Swift, attractive lucky draw prizes, and numerous brands of automotive accessories, products and services.Singapore Motorshow 2018, 11-14 Jan, Suntec Singapore Levels 3-4, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Suntec City, 039593

Happy Lunar Mew Year13 JanuaryKnow of the next Feline Dion or Catti Smith? Sign your talented cat or kitten for this show especially for gifted showcats! And we kid, your cat doesn’t really have to sing. If you just adore cats, here’s one gig to witness in the flesh (and fur).Lunar New Year CFA Cat Show, 13 Jan, OneKM Mall, 11 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 437157

Photography via Speak Cryptic

How do you mend a broken heart?18 JanuaryWith art, of course! Go on a journey of catharsis with Singapore visual artist Farizwan Fajari, professionally known as Speak Cryptic. Featuring characters he created, experience anger, frustration and despair through this live art installation, in collaboration with Ape Studios and The Kaizen M.D.ArtScience Late: Speak Cryptic’s The Anatomy of a Heartbreak, 18 Jan, ArtScience Museum, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956

Photography via Mynah Magazine

Support local magazines!10 JanuaryCome celebrate the launch of local magazine, Mynah Magazine issue 2 with a panel on history and storytelling with Mynah contributors, freelance journalist and activist Kirsten Han, writer and enthusiast of classical Malay literature and history Faris Joraimi and writer Yu-Mei Balasingamchow. Mynah Magazine is an annual longform print publication seeking to tell Singaporean stories. Bring back the quality reads!Mynah Magazine #2 Launch: A Panel on History and Storytelling, 10 Jan, Artistry, 17 Jalan Pinang, Singapore 199149

Swim in the Plastic Ocean25 JanuaryA Plastic Ocean begins when journalist Craig Leeson, searching for the elusive blue whale, discovers plastic waste in what should be pristine ocean. In this adventure documentary, Craig teams up with free diver Tanya Streeter and an international team of scientists and researchers to explore the fragile state of our oceans, uncover alarming truths about plastic pollution, and reveal working solutions that can be put into immediate effect. The screening event hopes to highlight the alarming consequences of plastic pollution in our oceans and stimulate discussion on how to mitigate plastic waste.A Plastic Ocean (screening + Q&A), 25 Jan, The Projector, 6001 Beach Road #05-00 Golden Mile Tower, Singapore 199589

New year, new Games and Politics12 January – 12 FebruaryThe exhibition in Singapore is presented by the Goethe-Institut and kult Gallery. Games and Politics has toured in countries around the world including the United States, Philippines and Indonesia. Expect to play digital computer games that deal with socially-relevant topics like war, gender, migration, democracy and surveillance. Along with artworks and films on view, the exhibition encourages play and calls upon the audience to question the position of games in society today.Games and Politics, 12 Jan-12 Feb, kult Gallery, Block C2-5, Emily Hill 11 Upper Wilkie Road, Singapore 228120

Gear up for the cheesefest that is John Carpenter12-19 JanuaryHappy Birthday, Mr. Carpenter! On the cheesefest pioneer’s grand 70th, the cool folks at The Projector have decided to throw in some well and less-known gems from his entire body of work — from quite outrightly racist mulletry to sensitive new age aliens (cue young Jeff Bridges) to um, murderous cars.t’s gonna be a hell of a ride!John Carpenter January at The Projector, 12-19 Jan, The Projector, 6001 Beach Road #05-00 Golden Mile Tower, Singapore 199589

Art from Light to Night19- 28 JanuaryOne of the marquee events of Singapore Art Week, Light to Night Festival 2018: Colour Sensations will transform major cultural institutions and parks into spectacular works of art over two weeks in January. Spearheaded by National Gallery Singapore, in partnership with other Civic District partners—The Arts House, Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall, Asian Civilisations Museum and Esplanade—Light to Night Festival is the largest precinct-wide visual, literary and performing arts festival featuring both indoor and outdoor components that transform from day to night.Light to Night Festival 2018: Colour Sensations, 19-28 Jan, Civic District

Childhood is for everyone18-31 JanuaryIS ANYONE HOME? is an exhibition on childhood as part of Singapore Art Week 2018. It features five installations by children from Superhero Me, a ground-up inclusive arts movement that harnesses the power of creativity through the arts to empower children from less privileged backgrounds and special needs communities. Supported by a team of artists and facilitators, come discover their stories and art work, which have been playfully weaved into a curious, delightful space and open your mind to the possibilities of childhood.IS ANYONE HOME?, 18-31 Jan, National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897

Set a movie date… and a yoga sesh all on the same night17 January – 28 FebruaryThere’s nothing better than yoga grounded in nature in one of the most beautiful vistas in Singapore. By the ocean at Sentosa, that is, where each class ends with deep relaxation in savasana, the hypnotic sounds of the waves and wind, and as everything becomes golden with the setting sun, allow the flicker of the screen to transport you to another world. Yoga and a movie later? Count us in!Sunset Yoga & Movie by the Ocean, 17 Jan-28 Feb, Siloso Beach Sentosa

Finally a reason to visit Jurong?28 JanuaryThink of it like a massive open house where both the residents and visitors can engage with the contemporary art forms while learning about the people and the places in Jurong and also pick up some history along the way. Jurong can be cool too!Larger Than Life: The Unspoken Histories of Jurong Neighbourhood, 28 Jan, 21 Jurong East Central 1, Singapore 609732

Celebrate local Pop Art!17-22 JanuaryCelebrate the best of Pop Art in Singapore with the first major group exhibition of Singapore-based pop artists. Come see the exciting works created by Singapore’s best practitioners of art based on popular culture. Featuring works by Billy Ma, Stefanie Hauger, Leo Liu Xuanqi, Andre Tan, Justin Lee, TR853-1 (Traceone), and Iskander Walen.Instant Fame, 17-22 Jan, Visual Arts Centre Singapore, 10 Penang Road, #01-02 Dhoby Ghaut Green, Singapore 238469

Southern Ridges (Credit: Flickr/jin0024)

New year, new workout regimen6 JanuaryIf you have already made your New Year resolutions, you should add this walk to your list too. Have you ever thought of walking the whole of Singapore Island and wondering how long you would take? How many kilometres or estates you could cover? Get on this leisure trek that covers areas like Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Singapore Zoo, Henderson Waves, Tampines Eco Green, Punggol Park and more.Can You Walk the Singapore Island?, 6 Jan, Meeting Point: Raffles Mrt Exit A

Get to know the Golden Age of cinema in Singapore20-28 JanuaryGet on these special guided tours (both mainland and offshore!) that will bring participants around the island on bus and boat to uncover forgotten film locations and experience newly-commissioned artworks in Singapore. The 2018 edition of State of Motion will explore film as a site of cultural and ideological production in the last decade of pre-independence Singapore. Reactivating snippets of our national past, Sejarah-ku (Malay for ‘my history’) comprises a selection of seminal Malay-language films produced predominantly by the now-defunct Shaw Malay Film Productions Ltd, as well as a diverse lineup of artworks and performances made in response to the films.State of Motion 2018: Sejarah-ku, 20-28 Jan, Asian Film Archive, 100 Victoria Street, #04-01, National Library Building, Singapore 188064

Say goodbye to Singapore Art Week 2018 with a party27 JanuaryParty up on the last day of Singapore Art Week 2018 to experience the exhibition with a mix of music and drink offers. Opened after official museum operating hours, audiences can expect a series of live performances with back-to-back DJ sessions throughout the night. Museum assistants will be on-site to offer their personal insights about the works on view. Key highlights include an artistic improvisation from Bani Haykal followed by a performance by weish (.gif) and finally, a live DJ set by Rah (Darker Than Wax).PVM Live! Singapore Art Week Closing Party, 27 Jan, Parkview Museum Singapore, 600 North Bridge Road, Parkview Square Level 3, Singapore 188778

You Art What You Eat20 JanuaryForming part of the Singapore Art Week 2018 official programme, ‘You Art What You Eat’ will bring artists, restauranteurs, and culture and lifestyle professionals together, to connect and be inspired. Speakers include Ryan Clift, award-winning Chef and Co-Owner of Tippling Club; botanical artist Mamakan, who has exhibited at the Singapore Biennale and National Museum of Singapore; and artist ‘Y/X’ (Chua Koon Beng), Co-Owner and CFO of the Spa Esprit Group. Held at Tippling Club, the venue will be opened up for visitors to browse the space, including BIN 38, a private dining space with state-of-the-art R&D test kitchen, the cocktail bar and lounge, and art and design elements.You Art What You Eat, 20 Jan, Tippling Club, 38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088461

Art in conversations13 JanuaryWhat is behind one of the most vibrant, vital contemporary art currents that is sweeping through our time? Conversations delves into the multiplicity of street art and its evolution over the last four decades as a global phenomenon, and looks at how it is transforming the way that the city is perceived and lived. Held in conjunction with the opening of Art from the Streets, the programme explores the diversity of artistic expressions in response to our changing urban environment and some of the complex challenges inherent in facilitating and supporting them.Conversations: If Walls Could Talk, 13 Jan, ArtScience Museum, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956

Delfina Utomo

Delfina is a collector of random trivia so she can tell you what the capital of Montenegro is and how the noble breed of Scottish Folds can be traced to a cat called Susie. Music junkie, Reddit lurker, lives on the Internet - but don't we all?